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Refining

European refiners increasingly turn to light US oil

Many European refiners face the problem of not having run a US crude through their systems in living memory and, as such, are wary of doing so, even though the numbers might make economic sense.

Kuwait refines crude pricing strategy in battle for European customers

Large sales from Iraq's Kurdistan into Europe have added to the competition and now Kuwait -- a usually little-noticed seller in Europe -- is both increasing sales and making its crude more attractive.

Thai Oil starts up first linear alkyl benzene plant

The plant has production capacity of 100,000 tpy, and the Thai refiner plans to export half of the output to India and other Southeast Asian countries, the company's CFO said.

Low oil plays uneven role in global gasoline prices

All countries have access to the same oil prices on international markets, but retail gasoline prices vary wildly, largely because of the taxes and subsidies imposed on them.

Asia nears first gasoline shortage in over 15 years

A tightening gasoline market in Asia would coincide with an expected late 2016 to early 2017 puncture of a global crude glut, lending support to a recovery in oil prices.

Saudis raise crude prices for Asian refiners as demand strengthens

The Saudis have become more convinced that the demand gains in oil from Asian refiners are sustainable, giving them the confidence to start raising prices.

Rising US refinery runs lend support to oil prices

Analysts said that the minimal price movement on Thursday was due to bullish and bearish fundamentals offsetting each other.

Iran to raise oil exports in March amid more sales to European refiners

Litasco, the trading arm of Russia's Lukoil, Cepsa and Total have become the first buyers in Europe after the lifting of sanctions and lifted trial cargoes in February.

US refiners struggle to export surplus distillate

The stagnation in distillate exports reflects sluggish world trade, the slump in mining, and a warm winter across much of the northern hemisphere, all of which have cut global demand growth.

ExxonMobil CEO eyes new acquisitions, forecasts lower capital spending

Exxon's oil and gas production rose 3.2% in 2015, as its downstream refining unit provided some insulation against the impact of falling oil prices on its upstream.